US commander announces 20,000 soldiers and 12,000 Palestinian police planned for Gaza under a new International Stabilization Force, as global leaders debate funding, demilitarization, and the future role of the UN in post-war reconstruction efforts.
A senior American military official has unveiled plans for a massive international security deployment in the Gaza Strip, stating that 20,000 soldiers and 12,000 Palestinian police officers are expected to form the backbone of a newly created peacekeeping mission.
Major General Jasper Jeffers, commander of the newly established International Stabilization Force (ISF), said the force would operate under the framework of a Gaza peace agreement. The ISF, once fully operational, is designed to stabilize the region following months of devastating conflict and political uncertainty.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the US-proposed Board of Peace, Jeffers confirmed that preparations are already underway. According to reports carried by Xinhua News Agency, training for both the ISF troops and the restructured Palestinian police force will take place in Egypt and Jordan.
International Contributions to the Gaza Mission
Jeffers disclosed that several countries have pledged to contribute troops to the stabilization mission. These include Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Albania, as well as authorities from Kosovo.
However, the US general did not provide specific figures on troop commitments from each participating nation, nor did he outline a concrete timeline for deployment. Analysts suggest that logistical coordination and political consensus will determine how quickly the ISF can be deployed on the ground.
The stabilization initiative comes amid intense global debate about the governance and reconstruction of Gaza following the war between Israel and Hamas. Security experts argue that the success of such a force will depend heavily on clear mandates, cooperation from regional actors, and a credible political transition process.
Funding Gaps and Reconstruction Challenges
At the same meeting, US President Donald Trump revealed that nine countries have pledged a combined $7 billion in relief and reconstruction funding for Gaza. These countries include Azerbaijan, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait, alongside Kazakhstan and Morocco.
Despite this financial commitment, the pledged amount falls significantly short of the estimated $70 billion required for comprehensive reconstruction of the war-ravaged territory. Infrastructure across Gaza—including housing, healthcare facilities, power grids, and water systems—has suffered extensive damage.
Trump formally launched the Board of Peace last month in Davos, positioning it as a US-led mechanism to coordinate security and reconstruction efforts. However, the initiative has been met with skepticism from several global actors.
Demilitarization as a Precondition
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated a firm stance on security conditions, stating that there would be no reconstruction of Gaza before the demilitarization of Hamas. He made the remarks during an officers’ graduation ceremony of the Israel Defense Forces.
Netanyahu’s position underscores the central challenge facing the proposed stabilization plan: balancing humanitarian reconstruction with strict security guarantees. Israeli officials have consistently emphasized that preventing the rearmament of Hamas is a non-negotiable priority.
International Concerns Over Governance
The creation of the Board of Peace has also raised questions within Europe. Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, expressed serious doubts regarding the scope, governance structure, and compatibility of the new body with the UN Charter.
Critics argue that the US-led initiative could overlap with or undermine the authority of the United Nations, which has traditionally played a central role in conflict resolution and humanitarian coordination in the region.
Diplomatic observers note that the ultimate effectiveness of the ISF and the Board of Peace will depend on broad international backing and alignment with existing global institutions. Without consensus, the mission risks fragmentation or duplication of efforts.
A Critical Moment for Gaza’s Future
The proposal to deploy 20,000 international soldiers alongside 12,000 Palestinian police officers marks one of the most ambitious post-conflict stabilization efforts in recent Middle Eastern history. Yet, substantial hurdles remain—ranging from funding shortfalls and political disagreements to the unresolved issue of demilitarization.
| Also Read: Trump Moves to Elevate Board of Peace Above UN |
As global powers debate the path forward, the people of Gaza await tangible steps toward security, reconstruction, and long-term stability.
